Dominican Republic

By Abiel Pedre

Dominican Republic

This presentation has been Prepared and presented by ABIEL PEDRE.1Dominican republic mapMAP

print this map

The island ofHispaniola,the second largest island in the Caribbean, contains two separate countries; the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Columbus claimed Hispaniola in 1492, and it later became the major launching base for the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean, as well as the American mainland.

Subsequently, disease and slavery were introduced by the Spanish conquistadors, and the indigenous Arawak peoples were destroyed.

In the 17th Century, with the Spanish in control, the French established a colony on the island. The Spanish later ceded the western third of Hispaniola in 1697, which in 1804 became known as Haiti.

The remainder of the island, then known as Santo Domingo, declared its independence in 1821, however, it was immediately occupied by Haiti. It finally gained total independence in 1844, and became the Dominican Republic, or DR.

Ruled by a series of dictators for the next 134 years, democracy was finally introduced in 1978. Today this beautiful island of gregarious people and stunning scenery is a popular Caribbean tourism destination, as unlike its neighbor to the west, the country's economy is still one of the fasting growing in the western hemisphere.

For travelers, favorites include colorful Santo Domingo, a mixture of Caribbean cultures and a visually pleasing outdoor museum, and the eclectic collection of resort destinations strung out along the Amber Coast, east and west of Puerto Plata.

2Merengue festivalHoly weekThe Santo Domingo carnivalChristmasCabarete funAnnual world cup windsurfingCultural festivalLatin music festivalHolidays

Like other Caribbean islands, the Dominican Republic hosts and celebrates a lot of exciting and colorful events all around the year. Dominican Republic's festivals and special events entice visitors to pick up the Caribbean beat.

Vacationing during a country's special celebrations or festivals always adds to the joy of a holiday experience. The Dominican Republic has its share of events and special occasions. Here is a list of the most famous events and festivals of Dominican Republic; 1: Merengue Festival The Merengue Festival in Puerto Plata during the first week of October is a celebration to rejoice the countryside harvests. The Malecn is blocked off to vehicular traffic and stalls are set up on both sides of the street selling a variety of homemade goods to eat, drink or wear. A huge stage is erected at one end of the Malecn for concerts by famous merengue singers. At the festival, visitors can observe how Dominican crafts are made, and learn how crops are grown in the nearby countryside. The event is a combination of colorful, imaginative performers, pulsating rhythms, traditional dances and homegrown goodness. 2: Holy Week The week leading up to Easter Sunday, is celebrated in a grand way in the town of Sosua. Dominicans from all corners of the island head to Sosua for a week of volleyball competitions, eating, drinking and dancing and visitor get their share of joyful Dominican spirit. The fun is extremely contagious and the friendly people will redefine your idea of hospitality. 3: The Santo Domingo Carnival The carnival is the climax of the pre-Lenten celebration all throughout the country. The winning Diablo Cojuelos, their magnificent masks depicting grotesque human features and expressions, long silk capes, matching jerkins and pantaloons, melded with strong African traditions, all in riotous rainbows of colors, come from Santiago and La Vega. Floats and innumerous dance groups and costumed characters parade along the Malecn turning this mass of color and people into a wonderful festivity. 4: Christmas Christmas celebrations begin in early December and end on Epiphany Day on January 6. 5: Cabarete Fun The month of February in Cabarete is known as Cabarete Alegra or Cabarete Fun. Every weekend in February features a different festival when merry-making flourishes in the street, the beaches, and the hotels and restaurants. The first weekend features mountain bike demonstrations and a race, sponsored by Iguana Mama Mountain Bike Center. The second weekend features a Kite-Flying Festival. The third weekend is the fun-filled Sand Castle Competition, where residents and tourists stake out their sandy territory and build incredible works of art from sand. And the last weekend in February, marks a Surfing and Windsurfing Competition at Playa Encuentro in Cabarete. 6: Annual World Cup Windsurfing For two weeks in June, Cabarete hosts its Annual World Cup Windsurfing Competition and then its Annual Cabarete Race Week, an international windsurfing event for amateurs of various classes. These events attract world-class windsurfers on the professional and amateur racing circuits and offer plenty of fun on and off the beach with special fiestas, concerts, and volleyball contests. 7: Cultural Festival During the third week of June, in Puerto Plata there is the Cultural Festival with a series of events to mark the occasion. Concerts by singers of merengue, blues, jazz and Dominican folk music near the Fort San Felipe marks the occasion. Dance troupes from Santo Domingo perform traditional dances from African spirituals right up to salsa and arts and crafts exhibits by local artisans can be viewed throughout the week long celebration near Parque Central. 8: Latin Music Festival The Latin Music Festival is a three-day event of Santo Domingo in June in which dozens of international Latin singers, bands and Latin jazz musicians perform. This festival is a treat for music lovers and an opportunity to explore this Caribbean city.

3.Taino indian sites.Museo de las casas reales.Museo Alcazar.Zona colonial.National aquarium.Iglesia San Otonio de Padua

Places to visit

1. El Pomier Caves Officially a Reserva Antropolgica, this network of bat-infested caves north of San Cristbal contains the largest display of Taino wall paintings and rock drawings in the Caribbean. You can see mysterious spiritual symbols and scenes of day-to-day pre-Columbian life depicted here.2. Las Caritas The little faces chiseled into the coral rock of the cave overlooking Lago Enriquillo have a range of expressions. Some represent Tanios praying. Local legend has it that the renegade Taino leader Enriquillo (see Enriquillo (14981535)) hid in this cave while on the run from the Spanish.Taino cave, Las Caritas 3. Peon Gordo, Bayahibe Part of the Parque Nacional del Este, this cave system has some of the countrys best-preserved Taino images on rock panels. A guardian figure, with large head and raised arms, watches over the low entrance of the first cave.4. Cueva Jos Maria Farther into Parque Nacional del Este and accessible only in the company of a park ranger, this cave holds 1,200 Taino pictographs referring not only to religious beliefs but also to the coming of the Spanish. Black charcoal drawings on white limestone walls clearly show a bearded Spanish face and sailing vessel.5. Museo Prehispnico This museum holds specimens of delicately carved jewelry and decorated pottery. The powerful spiritual dimension of Taino society is vividly brought to life by the clay zemis , depicting various gods, and by a ceremonial stool, apparently used in rituals by a village chieftain or cacique .6. Cueva de las Maravillas This complex of grottoes and labyrinths is a fascinating exhibition not only of Taino art forms but also stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological curiosities. The 472 pictographs and 19 petroglyphs depict human figures and various animals associated with death rituals.7. Los Indios de Chacuey An indigenous (and much smaller) version of Stonehenge, in England, a circle of rocks surrounds a stone slab in the middle of a huge open space. Nearby, religious petroglyphs suggest that this was an important ceremonial center.8. La Isabela The museum at the Parque Nacional Histrico La Isabela highlights the everyday life in a Taino village. Outside are examples of an indigenous boho or thatched dwelling, and gardens containing staple crops grown by Taino communities.9. Parque Nacional Los Haitises Inhospitable mangrove swamps and rocky terrain mean that the Taino sites can only be accessed through an organized boat trip. Caves within the park have extensive drawings, including scenes of hunting, birds, whales, and various faces.10. Parque Submarino La Caleta Best known for its diving among offshore wrecks, this park also contains an excavated Taino cemetery, discovered on the beach in the 1970s. A display of skeletons reveals that indigenous communities preferred to bury their dead in a crouched fetal position, in anticipation, apparently, of being reborn.

Museo de las Casas RealesFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search Coordinates: 182833N 695300W / 18.475883N 69.883208W / 18.475883; -69.883208Museum of the Royal Houses Museo de las Casas Reales Facade of the Museo de las Casas Reales in the Colonial district of Santo Domingo Established 1973 Location Santo Domingo,Dominican Republic Type Historical and Cultural Director Ana Yee de Cury[1] Website cultura.gov.do The Museo de las Casas Reales, is one of the important cultural monuments built during the colonial era in la Hispanola. This monument is located in the Colonial district, of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.According to historians, this structure dates back to the sixteenth century, and it was built to house the administrative offices of the Spanish colonies in the Americas. The building was divided into two floors. On the first floor was the Royal Court, which was the first podium of the New World, and on the second floor, was the Captaincy General.Contents[hide]1 History2 Museo de las Casas Reales today3 Location4 Halls of the Museum 4.1 First floor4.2 Second floor5 Architectural features6 See also7 References8 External links[edit] HistoryThe Museum of the Royal Houses or Royal Palaces, as it was called during the colonial era, was to host two palaces, which date back to the sixteenth century. The royal palace was built by orders of the Spanish Crown, represented by King Fernando de Aragon on October 5 of 1511, which was built to house the main government offices of the era.This building was named as the Royal Houses, as it was the Royal Court, which was the first court of the New World, was also used as the residence of the Governors and General Captains of the time.The building served as home to many major figures such as; Nicolas de Ovando, Bartholomew Columbus, and Louis Ferrand, among others. The halls of the Royal Court held important meetings or parties involving the leading figures in society of the colonial era as well as royal officers and judges of appeal. Also involved, were Bishops of the Conception such as Don Pedro Suarez de Deza and other Franciscan, Dominican and Mercedarian representatives.The Royal Court formally exercised jurisdiction over La Hispaniola and all neighboring islands and territories discovered by or belonging to the Spanish Crown. The Royal House at Santo Domingo was the capital of all other Spanish territories in the New World until 1535, after the Aztec Conquest opened new lands and the belief that local rule rather than centralized rule was better. After 1835 and the establishment of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, as well as other Viceroyalties, the Royal Court in Santo Domingo adopted a more local role as the Capital of the West Indies. Yet the Royal House, although stripped of its title as the Capitol of the New World, was involved in many major issues such as; the Rebellion of Enriquillo, the Indian Rebellion of Cuzco, the differences between Alvarado and Almagro, territorial problems in Central America, Venezuela, Florida and Louisiana, to mention a few.Throughout its history the original architectural structure has undergone many changes. In 1807 the French general Louis Ferrand gave the facade a French-style. During the last year of government of President Carlos Felipe Morales, some changes were made to use the building as the Governmental Palace. Then during the government of Rafael Lenidas Trujillo other modifications were made in order to house some government offices.[edit] Museo de las Casas Reales todayThe Museum of the Royal Houses is a historical monument because it showcases colonial architecture. On October 18, 1973, during the administration of President Dr. Joaqun Balaguer, the building was established as a museum, but it was not officially opened until May 31, 1976. Attending the opening ceremony was King Juan Carlos I of Spain.This museum was established to collect and to highlight the history, life and customs of the inhabitants of the Spanish colony. It is currently one of the most visited sights by tourists in Santo Domingo, because it is located in the Zona Colonial.The museum has 9 rooms in 2 interconnected buildings; the first was the Palace of the Governors and the other was the Royal Court and Office of the Comptroller General.[edit] LocationThis cultural museum is located on Calle Las Damas, corner of Calle Las Mercedes, in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.[edit] Halls of the MuseumThe museum is divided into two floors and several rooms respectivamentes, which are:[edit] First floorHere are the following salons, which are divided into galleries of topics.LobbyGalleryPatioBackyardHealthCafeteriaTemporary Exhibition HallLadderStatue of A. SuazoGalleries issues or statements of these rooms are:Discovery, conquest and evangelization.Smuggling and piracyEconomy.Stables.Santa Brbara.Drugstore.Transport and garage.[edit] Second floorHere are the following salons:Gallery of Hearing.Gallery.Halls ArmsLadder.In the galleries or exhibition themes are:Numismtica and Accounts.Legislation.Secretaries of hearings.Office of the Chief hearers.Hall Waiting.Chamber Main hearers.Ante Dispatch Captains.Descpacho Captain General.Family Life.Historical Ceramologa.Military I.Military II.Great Hall of Governors.[edit] Architectural featuresThis is of great interest because it has a strong character and there is high interest in its history, it also holds assets of cultural interest associated with its architecture that form an integral part of the values that the institution has to offer to its visitors.This building was built during the colonial era, based on masonry and fine stones, with an Elizabethan/Gothic-style mixed with Plateresque Renaissance and a quasi-military appearance.The Alczar de Coln, or Columbus Alcazar, located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is the oldest Viceregal residence in America, and forms part of the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo World Heritage Site. The building houses the Museo Alczar de Diego Coln, whose collection exhibits the Caribbean's most important ensemble of European late medieval and Renaissance works of art, which were acquired in the 1950s. The Tapestry collection (spanning from the 15th to 17th centuries) is particularly important and unique in the Caribbean, and includes pieces produced by the Flemish Van Den Hecke family from cartouches created by Charles Le Brun.[1] The Alczar is the most visited museum in Santo Domingo.[2]The palace is an impressive construction of coralline blocks that once housed some fifty rooms and a number of gardens and courtyards, although what remains today is about half the size it once was. It was built under Diego Coln, the son of Christopher Columbus; when he became Viceroy of La Espaola and the Indies in 1509, he ordered the construction of a family home and governors mansion between 1510 and 1512.During the early Spanish colonial period, the mansion occupied a very important place in history. It was from here that many expeditions of conquest and exploration were planned. In 1586 the palace was sacked by Sir Francis Drake and his forces. As the influence of Santo Domingo waned, the house fell into ruins, and by the mid-eighteenth century was abandoned and in danger of rotting away. It was rescued and extensively restored between 1955 and 1957.Ciudad Colonial (Spanish for "Colonial City") is the first settlement made by Christopher Columbus and the Spanish explorers in the New World. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.[1] Colloquially known as "Zona Colonial" (Colonial Zone), Ciudad Colonial is part of the original Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and the origin of the district dates back to the 16th century. The District is located in the west corner of the Ozama River, which bisects the city. The district today covers less than 5 square kilometers.It is an important section of the city due to the high number of landmarks, including Alczar de Coln, Fortaleza Ozama, Catedral Primada de America, and others.Contents[hide]1 History2 Ciudad Colonial today3 Landmarks4 Gallery5 References6 See also[edit] HistoryFurther information: List of forts in colonial Santo DomingoThe Spanish used this settlement as the first point of influence in the Americas, from which they conquered much of the American mainland. Even though Spaniards focused their attention more on the mainland after conquering Mexico, Peru, and other regions of Latin America, Ciudad Colonial remained an important historical site.[2]Interior view of Santa Mara la Menor CathedralThe city was surrounded by a defense wall (murralla, in Spanish) extending from the Ozama River to the Puerta del Conde ("The Gate of the Count", in Spanish), which was the only entrance to the hinterland and the furthest boundary of the city until around the late 19th century. In the 17th century, it is known that the defensive wall was modified after the Siege of Santo Domingo led by the William Penn and Robert Venables. The 1655 invasion was thwarted by Spanish troops commanded by the Captain General of the Colony, Don Bernardino de Meneses y Bracamonte, Count of Pealva, to whom the Puerta del Conde is named after.[3] Prior to the invasion, there was a fort at the site where the Puerta del Conde is today, Fuerte San Genaro. It is believed that the modification that occurred after the siege involved the expansion of the wall to the fort, effectively creating a bastion, El Baluarte del Conde.The defensive wall was composed of various bastions, such as El Baluarte del Conde and gates such as La Puerta de la Misericordia. There were also several forts which ran along the wall, such as El Fuerte de la Concepcion and El Fuerte de Santa Brbara.[edit] Ciudad Colonial todayThe cobblestone Calle Las Damas is the oldest street, dating from 1502. The pedestrian-only street is bordered by many of the zone's more prominent landmarks.There are two important commercial districts in or adjacent to the Zona Colonial, including the Calle del Conde and Avenida Duarte (Duarte Avenue). Both have many shops and cafes. The portion of Avenida Duarte just north of the Zona Colonial is the local shopping center, and is currently undergoing a renovation plan that aims to make the area more appealing to tourists.[4]The recently restored and expanded Plaza de Espaa is bordered by Las Atarazanas, filled with small shops and restaurants. This area was one of the first commercial centers in the Americas, and is still a hub of activity today. The Alczar de Coln, having once been the colonial palace of the Columbus familybeginning with his son Diegois now a well-regarded museum displaying period furniture and decorations. The building was originally built in 1510.A 700 million US dollar investment was made in the Port of the Ozama river adjacent to the Ciudad Colonial aiming to turn Santo Domingo into a port of call for luxury cruise ships and including a privately-owned marina. The project is being completed by Sans Souc Ports S.A.[5] One of the most ambitious projects of its type, it is expected to turn the Colonial District and the rest of Santo Domingo into an area attractive to tourists, something never achieved before.[edit] LandmarksEl Conde Gate (Puerta del Conde)The majority of the landmarks and cultural venues of the Zona Colonial were erected during the colonial period of Spanish rule, and as such some are in desperate need of repairs and maintenance. (Their names are in Spanish.)Catedral de Santa Mara la MenorPuerta del Conde (Parque de la Independencia)Alczar de ColnFortaleza OzamaPanten NacionalMuseo de las Casas RealesRoyal SundialRuinas de San Francisco, Monasterio San FranciscoLa Iglesia de Nuestra Seora de la AltagraciaRuinas del Hospital San Nicols de BariLa Casa de BastidasHostal Nicols de Ovando

Acuario National (the National Aquarium) - opened in 1990 is claimed to be one of the better aquariums in the Caribbean. I dont know if thats true, but I think the National Aquarium in Santo Domingo is a great place to spend a couple of hours.

The aquarium contains 3000 live specimens (from angelfish to sharks) of 250 species of marine life from the waters around the Dominican Republic. The star resident is Tamaury, a manatee rescued as a baby off the coast of Barahona. The aquarium is equipped with a clear glass sea-tunnel that makes viewing the enclosed sea life an awesome experience.

The location of the aquarium is also very beautiful with a fine view of Santo Domingo and right next to the Caribbean Ocean.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday (9:30am to 5:30pm).Admission fee: 20 peso for Dominican children, 30 peso for Dominican adults and 50 peso for non-Dominicans!!!!!!!

All signs are only written in Spanish, but you can join a guided tour in English.

Updated Feb 15, 2008Address: Avenida Espaa No. 75.Parroquia San Antonio de Padua Santo Domingo

23 Live Views 0 In Crowd Welcome to Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, a Catholic Church located in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic.. Saint Anthony is within the Diocese of Santo Domingo, which is under the direction of Most Reverend Cardenal Lopez Rodriguez. The parish... Welcome to Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, a Catholic Church located in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic.. Saint Anthony is within the Diocese of Santo Domingo, which is under the direction of Most Reverend Cardenal Lopez Rodriguez. The parish encompasses an extremely diverse community located in the center of our capital We invite you to join our community.We sincerely hope that the information Please let us know if you find any errors or would like us to expand our content in certain areas. Thank you very much for visiting, and God Bless!

Read more: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Caribbean_and_Central_America/Dominican_Republic/Distrito_Nacional/Santo_Domingo-1654465/Things_To_Do-Santo_Domingo-Acuario_Nacional_The_Aquarium-BR-1.html#ixzz1ibroPp9J

4.Arepa.Chambre.Moros de grandules con coco.Pasteles en hojas.Rabo encendido.Sancocho.Nino envuelto.chicharron de pollo.Molondrones guisados.Yuca y batatas fritas.AsopaoEtcFood

Geographical differencesWhat Dominicans tend to eat depends highly on where they live: whether near the sea or in the interior mountains. In either case, most Dominican meat dishes tend to involve pork, as pigs are farmed quite heavily on the island. Meat dishes tend to be very well cooked or even stewed in Dominican restaurants, a tradition stemming from the lesser availability of refrigeration on the island.Seaside Dominican fishing villages will have great varieties of seafood, the most common being shrimp, marlin, mahi-mahi or dorado, and lobster. Most villagers more commonly dine on cheap, lesser-quality fish, usually stewed with la criolla, a type of rice. Premium seafood tends to be too expensive for the many locals, and is saved for the island's upper class and the tourist resorts.Differences between Dominican cuisine and those of other parts of the West Indies include the milder spicing of the Dominican, which mainly uses onions, garlic, cilantro, cilantro ancho (culantro), aj cubanela (cubanelle pepper), and oregano.[edit] References

Dominican Republic cuisineFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2008) MofongoDominican Republic cuisine is predominantly made up of a combination of Spanish, indigenous Tano, and African influences, the first and last occurring over the last five centuries. Dominican cuisine resembles that of other countries in Latin America, those of the nearby islands of Puerto Rico and Cuba, most of all, though the dish names differ sometimes.Breakfast can consist of eggs or meat and mang (mashed plantain). A heartier version uses deep-fried meat, such as Dominican salami. As in Spain, the largest, most important meal of the day is lunch. Its most typical form, nicknamed La Bandera ("The Flag"), consists of rice, red beans, meat (beef, chicken, pork, or fish), and salad.Contents[hide]1 Dishes and their origins 1.1 Tano dishes1.2 Spanish dishes1.3 African dishes2 Other Dishes 2.1 Dominican dishes3 Desserts4 Beverages5 Geographical differences6 References7 Further reading8 External links[edit] Dishes and their originsThe Dominican Republic was formerly a Spanish colony. Many Spanish traits are still present in the island. Many traditional Spanish dishes have found a new home in the Dominican Republic, some with a twist. African and Tano dishes still hold strong, some of them unchanged.All or nearly all food groups are accommodated in typical Dominican cuisine, as it incorporates meat or seafood; grains, especially rice, corn (native to the island[1]), and wheat; vegetables, such as beans and other legumes, potatoes, yuca, or plantains, and salad; dairy products, especially milk and cheese; and fruits, such as oranges, bananas, and mangos. However, there is heaviest consumption of starches and meats, and least of dairy products and non-starchy vegetables.Sofrito, a sauted mix of local herbs and spices, is used in many dishes. Throughout the south-central coast bulgur, or whole wheat, is a main ingredient in quipes and tipili, two dishes brought by Levantine Middle Eastern immigrants. Other favorite foods and dishes include chicharrn, pastelitos or empanadas, batata, pasteles en hoja (ground roots pockets), chimichurris, pltanos maduros (ripe plantain), and tostones.[edit] Tano dishesArepita fried yuca, sometimes potatoesCasabe bread made out of yuca[edit] Spanish dishesArroz con leche or arroz con dulce sweet spiced milk and rice pudding. Still used the classic Spanish recipe.Flan there are many recipes of flan with a tropical twist from the fresh fruits on the islandPaella In the Dominican Republic paella is done with local fish and ground annatto instead of saffronChicharrn fried pork rindsEmpanadas - called pastelitos (not to be confused with the Cuban pastelitos).[edit] African dishesMondongo beef tripe soupMang mashed, boiled plantain. Originated in west Africa and is known as fufu in Africa, Cuba and Puerto Rico.Mondongo beef tripe soup. Its origins lead back to african slaves in the Dominican Republic.chen-chen - A corn dish originating in San Juan De La Maguana with african influences.

[edit] Other DishesYanikeiki Jonnycakes a dish brought by sugar cane workers from the lesser Antilles over a century ago.Tostones fried plantain slices served flattened and salted. Popular all over Latin AmericaMojo sauce - a garlic sauce from Spain.Mofongo a popular Caribbean dish which originated in Puerto Rico and was later adapted to Dominican cuisine,[2] it is made from fried green plantains or fried yuca, seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings, then mashed with a little broth. Mofongo is usually served with a chicken broth soup.[edit] Dominican dishesArepa Dominican arepa is different from that of the venezuelan and colombian arepa. It is very popular as street food in the Dominican Republic.chambre - legumes and meat stew. It has african origins in the poor rural parts of the Dominican Republic.Moros de gandules con coco rice, peas, and coconut milk dish. This dish originated in saman.Pasteles en hojas Root tamales. Its Origin leads back to African slave in the caribbean in general. Tubers are grated, stuffed with meat (usually ground meat and Dominican seasoning). They are then wrapped in banana leaf and kept frozen until ready to eat.The type of tuber that is used the least is plantain.rabo encendido - Spicy ox-tail stew.Sancocho very hearty stew from either chicken, pork, shrimp or fish. The sancocho de siete carnes( seven meats sancocho) and sancocho de abichuelas (bean sancocho) are unique to the Dominican Republic.Nio envuelto rice cake wrapped in cabbage leaf. A dish influenced by lebanese immigrants.Chicharrn de pollo fried boneless chicken.Molondrones guisados - Okra stew. Can be traced back to african slaves in the Dominican Republic.yuca y batatas fritas - fried sweet potatoes and cassava. This dish can be traced back to the taino indians that inhabited the island.carne mechada - Braised beef roll. Not to be confused to the Venezuelan dish of shredded meat also known as carne mechada.chapeaGuanimos - Corn pockets. similar to Mexican tamales and Venezuelan hallaca. Guanimos are made of cornflour instead of cornmeal seen in both hallace and tamales.asopao - Rice soup. This dish is proven to have originated in the Dominican Republic and was later adapted to Puerto Rican cuisine . Asopao can be made with chiken, shrimp or sea food in general.pastelones-Dominican casseroles. A main element of Dominican cuisine. There are more than six variations in the Dominican Republic the most popular ones being pastelon de platano maduro(yellow plantain casserole) and pastelon de yuca(cassava casserole). Pastelones can be found in other Latin American Countries like Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Panama and Cuba, specially the eastern part which has great Dominican influence. Pastelones are usually stuffed with ground meat or chicken.Arroz con maiz - Rice with corn. A popular staple of the *Dominican cuisine. It combines the sweet flavor of corn with the salty flavor of rice and other ingredients.Locrios- A classic style of mixing rice with other kind of meat. There are many variations of this dish , some being unique to the *Dominican Republic.The famous dish *arroz con pollo, is called locrio de pollo in the*Dominican Republic.Chimichurris - Hamburgers topped with cabbage slaw.Los tres golpes - Literally "the three hits". A meal usually sereved as breakfast consisting of mangu, fried cheese, dominican salami and eggs. The mangu is topped with suteed onions.Pan de coco - Coconut bread.This dish originated in samana.Camarones con coco y gengibre - Shrimp with coconut and ginger. This dish is prepared with Dominican seasoning as a base and with the addition of coconut cream and ginger.Mazamorra - Mashed Squash and onions. Not to be confused with Peruvian mazamorra.This dish is used as an alternative instead of mangu sometimes.Buche e perico-Litterally parrot's cheek.A hearty Dominican corn stew.repollo guisadopalmito guisadobollitos de yucaberenjenas guisadas[edit] DessertsDulce de leche a caramel or thick jam made from milk and sugar; its origins are unclear.There are several kinds of this sweet in the Dominican Republic, more than in any other country.Habichuelas con dulce sweet creamed beans dessert. Made with coconut milk, sweet potato chunks, etc.Bizcocho Dominicano-Dominican cake.Mala RabiaJalaoConconeteMajaretechacagofio-It borrows its name from the dish of the canary islands; however this is a sweet dessert in form of a powder.cancinaPalitos de cocoquesillo de cocoDulce de leche cortadaDulce de coco tiernojalea de batata-sweet potato jamDulce de leche con pinaAmibar de frutas[edit] BeveragesA bottle of Mauby Fizzz produced by PepsiMorir Soando - a popular orange juice, milk, and sugar drinkPonche - eggnog is very popular around Christmas timeMab juice made from colubrina bark or fruit, sometimes fermented, sometimes spicedMama JuanaPera Pia- Literally pear and pineapple. This drink is usually made by boiling the skin of a pineapple with rice together. The drink is then frozen. It is called this way because f the pear taste it contains

5.Merengue.Salves.Palo.Bachata.Dominican rock.Dembow dominicano.Jazz.Classical musicMusic

Music of the Dominican RepublicFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search The music of the Dominican Republic is known primarily for merengue, though bachata, salsa and other forms are also popular. Dominican music has always been closely intertwined with that of its neighbor, Haiti (see Music of Haiti).Contents[hide]1 Folk music 1.1 Merengue1.2 Salves1.3 Palo2 Popular music 2.1 Bachata2.2 Dominican Rock2.3 Merenhouse and Merenrap2.4 Dembow Dominicano3 Art Music 3.1 Jazz3.2 Classical Music4 References5 External links[edit] Folk music[edit] MerengueMain article: Merengue musicMain article: Merengue tpicoMain article: PambicheMerengue is a musical genre native to the Dominican Republic. Swift beats from gira or maracas percussion sections, and drums such as the tambora. The accordion is also common, and is mostly heard in merengue tpico. Other instruments influences by Cuban son and mambo music frequently include a piano, saxophone, trombone and trumpet. The box bass, tuba or guyano are rare but played. The rhythm dominates the music, and is the most characteristic feature of the genre. It is not syncopated and includes an aggressive beat on 1 and 3. While Dominican in origin, it has also been historically linked to the music of Haiti, which shares a border with the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola, most notably that of Haitian mringue and that of Haiti's national music compas. Traditional, acoustic merengue is best-represented by the earliest recorded musicians, like Angel Viloria and Francisco Ulloa. More modern merengue incorporate electric instruments and influences from salsa, and rock and roll. Choruses are usually in groups of three and are often used in a call and response pattern. Live, wild dancing has long been commonplace, and is a staple of many of the genre's biggest stars. Lyrically, irony and oblique references to issues of sexuality and politics.Merengue continued to be limited in popularity to the lower-classes, especially in the Cibao area, in the early 20th century. Artists like Juan F. Garca, Juan Espnola and Julio Alberto Hernandez tried to move merengue into the mainstream, but failed, largely due to risque lyrics. Some success occurred after the original form (then called merengue tpico cibaeo) was slowed down to accommodate American soldiers (who occupied the country from 1916-1924) and couldn't dance the difficult steps of the merengue; this mid-tempo version was called pambiche. Major mainstream acceptance started with the rise of Rafael Trujillo in the early 1930s.Rafael Trujillo, who seized the presidency of the Dominican Republic in 1930, helped merengue to become a national symbol of the island up until his assassination in 1961. Being that he was of humble origins, he had been barred from elite social clubs. He therefore resented these elite sophisticates and began promoting the Cibao-style merengue as the populist symbol. The text of merengue songs covers an array of topics, including politics. This is evidenced by the hundreds of songs that were made, which were focused on political aspects of Trujillo's dictatorship, praising certain guidelines and actions of his party. Trujillo even made it mandatory for urban dance bands to include merengue in their routines. Also, piano and brass instruments were added in large merengue orchestras. On the other hand, merengue that continued to use an accordion became known as perico ripiao (ripped parrot). It was because of all this that merengue became and still is the Dominican Republics national music and dance.In the 1960s, a new group of artists (most famously Johnny Ventura) incorporated American R&B and rock and roll influences, along with Cuban salsa music. The instrumentation changed, with accordion replaced with electric guitars or synthesizers, or occasionally sampled, and the saxophone's role totally redefined. In spite of the changes, merengue remained the most popular form of music in the Dominican Republic. Ventura, for example, was so adulated that he became a massively popular and influential politician on his return from a time in the United States, and was seen as a national symbol.The 1980s saw increasing Dominican emigration to Europe and the United States, especially to New York City and Miami. Merengue came with them, bringing images of glitzy pop singers and idols. At the same time, Juan Luis Guerra slowed down the merengue rhythm, and added more lyrical depth and entrenched social commentary. He also incorporated bachata and Western musical influences with albums like 1990's critically acclaimed Bachata Rosa.[edit] SalvesSalve is a call-and-response type of singing that uses gira, panderos, atabales and other African instruments. Salves are highly ceremonial and are used in pilgrimages and at parties dedicated to saints. Salve is related to palo that is played in a lot of the same contexts, but with different instruments and rhythms. The name comes from the Salve Regina, a catholic psalm, and many still sing a sacred, acapella salve that preserves the medieval modes of old Spanish hymns. The ecstatic salve played at religious parties however, is all about percussion featuring large numbers of tambourines playing interlocking rhythms and a melodic drum called the balsie, whose player alters the pitch by applying pressure with his foot. Salve may be played in fewer parts of the country but its one of the best-known sounds, largely because its the sound of choice in Villa Mella, a poor suburb of the capital often thought of as the epicenter of Afro-Dominican traditions. The salve group of Enerolisa Nuez, from Villa Mella, is one of the most widely listened to - thanks to her inclusion in merengue-star Kinito Mendezs salve-merengue fusion album A Palo Limpio as well as an excellent recording of her group by the Bayahonda Cultural Foundation.[edit] PaloDominican sacred music and can be found all along the island. The drum and human voice are the principal instruments. Palo is played at religious ceremonies - usually coinciding with saint's days - and at special occasions. With roots in the Congo region of central-west Africa, palo shares much the same pantheon of deities/saints as the Afro-American religious traditions of Cuba, Brazil, Haiti and elsewhere in Latin America. The instruments played in a palo are the same as salves but with out the panderos.[edit] Popular music[edit] BachataMain article: Bachata (music)Bachata is a style of music that inhabitants of shantytowns call their own to own. Though this may seem like almost a negative connotation, one should remember that bachata has been widely accepted through many, though not all, classes of Dominican society. Bachata evolved from bolero, a Pan-American style said to have originated in Cuba. The guitars (lead, rhythm, and bass) are the principal instruments in bachata. They are accompanied by the bongo and gira (which has replaced the maracas).The Dominican bourgeoisie at first dismissed bachata as worthless and it was therefore given the name bachata, meaning a rowdy lower-class fiesta (party). Until fairly recently, bachata was informally banned from Dominican radio and television. Despite this, bachata flourished and has now gained wide acceptance, not only in the Dominican Republic, but world-wide.[edit] Dominican RockMain article: Dominican rockDominican rock is also popular among younger and not so younger crowds of the Dominican Republic. Dominican rock is influenced by British and American rock, but also has its own sense of unique style. The rock scene in the Dominican Republic has been very vibrant in recent years, spanning many genres of rock such as pop rock, reggae/rock, punk, metal. Dominican rock had started its scene in the early 80s, when Luis Das & Transporte Urbano, (who is considered to be the father of Dominican rock), came onto the scene and created this genre. Since then, there have been over 70 Dominican rock bands, the most successful being Toque Profundo, Tabu Tek, Al-Jadaqui Tribu del Sol, Top 40, TKR, Poket, La Siembra, La Reforma and others. Rita Indiana y los Misterios are a musical group known for their blend of traditional merengue music with rock. Bocatabu is a new Dominican rock group who is very popular, too.Also there are several underground Metal concerts occurring occasionally mainly in the cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago, where teenagers and young adults usually not satisfied with the other genres express themselves.[edit] Merenhouse and MerenrapMain article: Merenrap[edit] Dembow DominicanoMain article: Dembow DominicanoEven though reggaeton originated with reggae en espaol in Panama and gradually evolving to reggaeton in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic was the third country in Latin America to which reggaeton was introduced. It has had a long history of reggaeton music, more closely associated with Puerto Rican music. Dominican reggaeton began as a mixture of bachata and merengue rhythm. But now the music has gotten back to the roots of the Reggaeton. Utilizing Dembow beats in its entirety. Dominican Dembow artists are plenty, El Secreto, Doble T y Croke,Vakero are among some of the most known Dembow artists. Some artists in reggaeton include Luny Tunes, who are one of the biggest and most popular producers in the genre, and have produced big hit reggaeton songs such as Daddy Yankee's smash hit "Impacto", among other chart toppers. Dominican Dembow artists are plenty, El Secreto, Doble T y Croke,Vakero are among some of the most known Dembow artists. Other Dominican reggaeton artists include Mr. Dominican[1], Heavy Papi [2], Noztra, Don Miguelo, Mike El Beta, Santo Nova, O.G. Black (who was part of Master Joe & O.G. Black), Ingco Crew, Michalle Pie, Mojiganga, La Fabrica, Gem Star and Big Mato, Yo Yais. Some reggaeton artists are of Dominican descent, or by association like Arcngel & De La Ghetto (Both Half Dominican), Nicky Jam (Half Dominican), who was born in the Dominican Republic[edit] Art Music[edit] JazzThe most renowned exponent is Michel Camilo.[edit] Classical MusicConservatorio Nacional de Msica is the academy of music of the Dominican Republic. It was founded by Jos de Jess Ravelo (Don Chuch), one of the main Dominican composers.

6Language.SpanishMusic and dance.Barcarola criolla.Mangulina.Jacana

RELIGION.Roman catholic.Protestant.Folks beliefsCulture

Culture of the Dominican RepublicFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search La Vega Carnaval in the Independence Month. One of the most famous carnivals in the country.The people and their customs have origins mixing of Spaniard, African and Taino roots. The Dominican Republic was the first Spanish colony in the New World. Diseases inadvertently brought by the Spanish previously unknown to the native inhabitants wiped out the vast majority of the Taino Indians on the island; the colonizers thus began importing massive numbers of African slaves to replace the natives. After the Haitian liberation of the entire island, slavery was abolished and free blacks (and those of mixed race) could be found all over the islands.However, there are differences in class and education that separate different groups. The wealthy privileged status elite are mostly of Spaniard, (others include Italian and French) and to a lesser extent, African descent, while the majority of the lower class are Mulattoes of primarily African descent. The metropolitan culture available to the upper class and vanishing (due to economic turbulence as of late) middle class is often comparable to the life of city dwellers in the rich countries of Western Europe and the United States. But this metropolitan culture doesn't reach the poorest people, who may not have the most basic amenities, necessities, running water, electricity, sanitary facilities nor consumer electronics

7DANIA RAMIREZ.

JOSE GUILLERMO CORTINES JUAN LUIS GUERRA ALFONSO DILUCAFamous people

List of people from the Dominican RepublicFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search

This is a list of notable individuals from the Dominican Republic or who have Dominican ancestry and reside overseas.Dominican Republic (In Detail) Contents[hide]1 Authors2 Business3 Fashion and beauty pageant personalities4 Motion picture and television personalities5 Painters and artists6 Political and military figures7 Scientists and scholars8 Singers and musicians9 Sports figures10 Other personalities11 See also12 References[edit] AuthorsJulia AlvarezArambiletJosefina BaezRei BerroaManuel del CabralAda Cartagena PortalatnHilma ContrerasAngie CruzJunot DiazPedro Henrquez UreaMariano Lebrn SavinJordhy LedesmaMiguel D. MenaLeopoldo MinayaPedro MirJos Nez de CceresArturo Rodrguez FernndezSalom Urea[edit] BusinessThe Franjul Family prominent business family[edit] Fashion and beauty pageant personalitiesMariasela Alvarez Miss World 1982Eva Arias beauty queen and fashion modelSusie Castillo Miss USA 2003Ana Contreras Miss World Beach beauty semifinalistClaudia Cruz Miss World 2004 first runner-upMarianne Cruz Miss Universe 2008 second runner-upYadira Cury Miss International 2005 first runner-upAda de la Cruz Miss Universe 2009 first runner-upMagali Febles owner of the Miss Dominican Republic pageant franchiseGilda Jovine fashion modelClaudette Lali former model/film wardrobe stylistDenny Mndez Miss Italy 1997Ruth Ocumrez former beauty queenOscar De La Renta - Fashion DesignerAmell Santana Miss Earth 2005 first runner-upRenata So Miss Universe 2005 second runnerupArlenis Sosa fashion modelAmelia Vega Miss Universe 2003, actress and model[edit] Motion picture and television personalitiesNancy Alvarez psychologist/television talk show hostTina Aumont film actress (daughter of Maria Montez)Lourdes Benedicto actressFreddy Beras-Goico comedianJulissa Bermudez actress/television personality (BET)Monica Boyar actress/singerSergio Carlo actorTerry Carter actorCharytn actress/singer/television hostAlexandra Cheron actress/modelJos Guillermo Cortines actor/musicianNelson de la Rosa actor/comedianYasmin Deliz television personality/actressJuan Fernndez actorRen Fortunato - film directorAndrs Garca actorRick Gonzalez actorOscar Haza television journalistWilson Jermaine Heredia actorWolf Hudson adult film starStephanie Leonidas actressArthur Lithgow actorYorlin Madera actor (television series One Life to Live)Judy Marte actressAgliberto Melndez film directorMirtha Michelle actressMaria Montez actressPatricia Mota actressAmaury Nolasco - actorMiguel A. Nez, Jr. actorKaren Olivo Tony award-winning actresssCarlos Pena, Jr. actor/singerManny Prez actor (films Party Monster and El Cantante)Rafael Jos Puerto Rican television personality (Dominican father)Dania Ramirez actress (television series Heroes and Entourage)Victor Rasuk actorSilvestre Rasuk actorJudy Reyes actress (television series Scrubs)Birmania Rios television personality (television show Despierta America)Michelle Rodriguez actressZoe Saldana actressMerlin Santana actorEnrique Segoviano producer/directorRosanna Tavarez singer/television personalityShannon Tavarez Broadway actress and singer (Dominican father)Jessy Terrero directorCelines Toribio actress/modelJulian Scott Urena actorMichelle Vargas - actress/modelLudo Vika actress/comedianCarmen Wong Ulrich journalistSandra Zaiter actress and television host[edit] Painters and artistsJaime ColsonPaul GiudicelliAurelio GrisantyYoryi MorelOlivia PegueroRigo PeraltaCamille PissarroAmaya SalazarJorge Noceda SanchezDaro SuroCeleste Woss y Gil[edit] Political and military figuresRafael Alburquerque current vice presidentBuenaventura Bez Mndez former presidentJoaqun Balaguer Ricardo former president (19601962, 19661978, 19861996)Salvador Jorge Blanco former president (19821986)Juan Bosch y Gavio - former presidentFrancisco Alberto Caamao De - former presidentFernando Cabrera - New York City CouncilmanMargarita Cedeo de Fernndez current First Lady of the Dominican RepublicLorraine Corts-Vzquez - 65th Secretary of State of New YorkJuan Pablo Duarte one of the founding fathers of the Dominican RepublicAdriano Espaillat New York State Assemblyman; first Dominican American to be elected to a State House in the United StatesLeonel Fernndez Reyna current President (19962000, 20042008, 20082012)Pedro Florentino hero of the Battle of Jacuba, during the War of Independence from HaitiMaximiliano Gmez revolutionary political leaderMximo Gmez military commander of the Cuban War of IndependenceAntonio Guzmn Fernndez former presidentUlises Heureaux - former presidentGregorio Lupern former presidentMiguel Martinez former New York City CouncilmanHiplito Meja former president (20002004)Ramn Matas Mella one of the founding fathers of the Dominican RepublicThe Mirabal sisters political dissidentsJos Francisco Pea Gmez mayor of Santo Domingo (19821986)Joseline Pea-Melnyk member of the Maryland General AssemblyCesar A. Perales - 67th Secretary of State of New YorkThomas Perez civil rights lawyerDonald Reid Cabral former presidentTilo Rivas government officialYdanis Rodrguez - New York City councilmanJos Antonio (Pepillo) Salcedo first president after the Restoration of the Dominican RepublicFrancisco del Rosario Snchez one of the founding fathers of the Dominican RepublicJose Santana former government ministerPedro Santana Familias first president (1844)Angel Taveras - mayor of Providence, Rhode IslandRafael Lenidas Trujillo dictator (19301961)Ramfis Trujillo general and son of dictator Rafael Lenidas TrujilloElias Wessin y Wessin former generalFor a complete list, please refer to List of Presidents of the Dominican Republic[edit] Scientists and scholarsVctor A. Carreo NASA aerospace engineerErich E. Kunhardt physicistFrank Moya Pons historianFeniosky Pena-Mora engineerMargot Taule architectHctor Valdez Albizu economist[edit] Singers and musiciansAZ rapperManny Albam jazz musicianLuis Alberti merengue musicianJos Alberto (aka El Canario) salsa singerAnas pop singerAndy Andy singerArcangel reggaeton artistEduardo Brito - baritone singerAlex Bueno merengue/bachata singerAventura bachata groupNini Caffaro singerJos Manuel Caldern bachata musicianMichel Camilo jazz pianistAngela Carrasco singerAisha Syed Castro violinistLas Chicas Del CanAngel Clivills singer/lead member of The Cover GirlsJavier Colon - singer and winner of the first season of U.S. reality series The VoiceCoro freestyle singer/actorCristal Marie Latin Pop singer, songwriterKat Deluna singerDJ Prostyle hip hop DJDon Miguelo reggaeton artistEl Cata merengue musicianEl Jeffrey merengue singerEl Prodigio accordionistJackeline Estevez pop singerFabolous rapperZacarias Ferreira bachata singerOmar Franco - singer/composerBillo Frmeta singerIrv Gotti producerJuan Luis Guerra merengue/bachata/salsa musicianTatico Henriquez merengue musicianMartha Heredia singerJulio Alberto Hernndez composerMaridalia HernndezEddy Herrera merengue singerNicky Jam reggaeton artistKrisspy merengue singerico Lora known as the "Father of Merengue" music, singerLos Hermanos Rosario merengue groupLuny Tunes reggaeton producers/artistsIrka Mateo folk singer/songwriterMiguelito rapper (Dominican father)Nova singerNoztra reggaeton artistPavel Nuez pop/rock musicianPrince Royce bachata singerJuan Francisco Ordez guitarist/composerRamn Orlando merengue singerShalim Ortiz singerJohnny Pacheco salsa singer/producer/bandleaderLeonardo Paniagua bachata artistKarina Pasian singer/pianistChichi Peralta singer, bandleader, percussionistGeovanny Polanco merengue singerMilly Quezada singer, dubbed the "Queen of Merengue"Fausto Rey singer/composerFrank Reyes bachata singerTrio Reynoso - known as the "kings of merengue tipico" merengue/bachata groupMario Rivera jazz composer/artistKaren Rodriguez singer and contestant on American IdolRauln Rodrguez bachata singerRosangela - singerToo Rosario merengue singerRaulin Rosendo salsa singerRoger Sanchez DJ/house music producerDaniel Santacruz singer/songwriterJuelz Santana rapperLizette Santana (also known as Liz) singer/songwriterAntony Santos bachata singerYoskar Sarante bachata singerLuis Segura singerTriple Seis rapperRafael Solano songwriter/composerInes Thomas Almeida opera singerCuco Valoy merengue singer/bandleaderLuis Vargas bachata singerSergio Vargas merengue singerWilfrido Vargas merengue singerJohnny Ventura merengue singerFernando Villalona singer[edit] Sports figuresManny Acta Manager of the Cleveland IndiansRaul Aguayo national sail team member (2008 Summer Olympics)Antonio Alfonseca professional baseball playerCarlos Almanzar professional baseball playerFelipe Alou professional baseball manager and playerJess Alou professional baseball playerMatty Alou professional baseball playerMoiss Alou professional baseball playerJoaqun Andjar professional baseball playerOrlando Antigua professional basketball playerGreg Aquino professional baseball playerJoaquin Arias professional baseball playerTrevor Ariza professional basketball playerMiguel Batista professional baseball playerTony Batista professional baseball playerDanny Bautista professional baseball playerDenny Bautista professional baseball playerJos Bautista professional baseball playerJos Bautista professional baseball player (pitcher)George Bell professional baseball playerRonnie Belliard professional baseball playerFrancis Beltrn professional baseball playerAdrin Beltr - professional baseball playerEsteban Beltre professional baseball playerArmando Benitez professional baseball playerJoaquin Benoit professional baseball playerAngel Berroa professional baseball playerWilson Betemit professional baseball playerTony Blanco professional baseball playerYhency Brazoban professional baseball playerJuan Brito professional baseball playerDaniel Cabrera professional baseball playerFrancisco Cabrera professional baseball playerMelky Cabrera professional baseball playerRobinson Can professional baseball playerFausto Carmona professional baseball playerRico Carty professional baseball playerBernie Castro professional baseball playerFabio Castro professional baseball playerStarlin Castro professional baseball playerAlberto Castillo professional baseball PlayerLuis Castillo professional baseball PlayerLuis Castillo professional football playerCsar Cedeo professional baseball playerStalin Colinet former professional football playerJesus Colome professional baseball playerBartolo Coln professional baseball playerRoman Colon professional baseball playerFrancisco Cordero professional baseball playerCarlos Cruz former professional boxing championDeivi Cruz professional baseball playerLeo Cruz professional boxing champion (brother of Carlos Cruz)Johnny Cueto professional baseball playerManuel Felix Diaz professional boxerOctavio Dotel professional baseball playerEdwin Encarnacion - professional baseball playerJuan Encarnacion - professional baseball playerEdward Vinicio Espinal - professional soccer playerPedro Feliz professional baseball playerMary Joe Fernndez professional tennis playerBartolome Fortunato professional baseball playerRafael Furcal professional baseball playerJulio Franco professional baseball playerFrancisco Garcia professional basketball playerJulio Gervacio - professional boxerJerry Gil professional baseball playerCarlos Gmez - professional baseball playerAumi Guerra - professional bowlerFernando Guerrero - professional boxerVladimir Guerrero professional baseball playerJos Guilln professional baseball playerCristian Guzman professional baseball playerFreddy Guzmn professional baseball playerJoan Guzmn professional boxerFelix Heredia professional baseball playerRunelvys Hernndez - professional baseball playerAl Horford - professional basketball playerTito Horford professional basketball playerStan Javier - professional baseball playerErnesto Jerez sportscasterLuis Ernesto Jos professional boxerJose Lima professional baseball playerFrancisco Liriano professional baseball playerPedro Liriano professional baseball playerFelipe Lpez professional basketball playerMendy Lopez professional baseball playerJulio Lugo professional baseball playerRuddy Lugo professional baseball playerHctor Luna professional baseball playerHenry Mateo professional baseball playerJulio Mateo professional baseball playerJuan Marichal-professional baseball playerDamaso Marte professional baseball playerPedro Martnez Cy Young Awardwinning professional baseball playerVctor Martnez professional bodybuilderSammy Mejia professional basketball playerEleoncio Mercedes professional boxerJose Mesa professional baseball playerOmar Minaya General Manager of the New York MetsRal Mondes professional baseball playerAgustin Montero professional baseball playerJuan Morillo professional baseball playerAbraham Nez professional baseball playerLeo Nez professional baseball playerJose Offerman professional baseball playerMiguel Olivo professional baseball playerDavid Ortiz professional baseball playerRamn Ortiz professional baseball playerPablo Ozuna professional baseball playerRonny Paulino professional baseball playerCarlos Pea professional baseball playerTony Pea professional baseball playerWily Mo Pea professional baseball playerJhonny Peralta - professional baseball playerAntonio Prez professional baseball playerMlido Prez professional baseball playerNeifi Prez professional baseball playerOdalis Prez professional baseball playerRafael Prez professional baseball playerTimo Prez professional baseball playerHiplito Pichardo - professional baseball playerPlcido Polanco professional baseball playerJorge Posada professional baseball playerAlbert Pujols professional baseball playerAramis Ramirez professional baseball playerHanley Ramrez professional baseball playerManny Ramrez professional baseball playerJos Reyes professional baseball playerFernando Rodney professional baseball playerAlex Rodriguez professional baseball playerDelvin Rodriguez - professional boxerFlix Rodrguez - professional baseball playerHenry Rodrguez professional baseball playerDante Rosario professional football playerDuaner Sanchez professional baseball playerFlix Snchez Olympic gold medalwinning hurdlerVctor Santos professional baseball playerAlfonso Soriano professional baseball playerEdgar Sosa - professional basketball playerJorge Sosa - professional baseball playerSammy Sosa - professional baseball playerGlen Tapia - professional boxerJulian Tavarez professional baseball playerWilly Taveras professional baseball playerMiguel Tejada professional baseball playerRuben Tejada - professional baseball playerRobinson Tejeda professional baseball playerLuis Terrero professional baseball playerSalomon Torres professional baseball playerJuan Uribe professional baseball playerWilson Valdez professional baseball playerJose Valverde professional baseball playerAnnerys Vargas professional volleyball playerClaudio Vargas professional baseball playerJack Veneno professional wrestlerCharlie Villanueva professional basketball playerJose Vizcaino professional baseball playerLuis Vizcaino professional baseball playerEdinson Volquez professional baseball playerHctor Wagner professional baseball player[edit] Other personalitiesCarlos Almonte Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist arrested in June 2010Danny Almonte notable little league playerWaldo Cabrera businessmanMarino Vinicio Castillo lawyerFederico Alberto Cuello Camilo diplomatJose DeCamps dancerVctor de la Cruz cigarmakerOscar de la Renta fashion designerMario Alvarez Dugan journalistBartolom Gamundi businessmanMichele Jimenez ballet dancerJose E. Martinez lawyerRalph Mercado founder of RMM Records and music producer[1]Rafael Molina Morillo journalistProvidencia Paredes, assistant/confidante to Jacqueline Kennedy OnassisQuirino Paulino notorious drug smugglerIlka Tanya Payan actress, AIDS/HIV activistPedro Sal Prez activistDomingo Pilarte evangelistPorfirio Pina - music executiveSantiago Luis Polanco Rodrguez drug dealerPorfirio Rubirosa socialite81Dominican peso 0.25 $US PesoCurrency

Money and currency used in the Dominican Republic . Can tourists pay in US Dollars or other currencies? .. The Official Currency of the Dominican Republic is the Peso, which fluctuates freely against the US Dollar and other foreign currencies. Paper currency is printed in denominations of 5,10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 Peso notes. Coins are circulated in 1 and 5 Peso denominations (currently both coins and paper are circulated to represent 5 pesos). In addition, coins for denominations less than 1 peso are also circulated and minted, but due to their value, are not always used by many business establishments. Many supermarkets and other establishments either price their goods with an even number or round off the bill at the cash register. . Some tourist establishments or street vendors may accept US Dollars or other currencies, but the US Dollar is not legal tender in the country. Shops, Supermarkets and any other kind of retail establishment will not accept any other currency than the Peso. . Currency exchange services are offered by most banks or private exchange houses (Casa de Cambio). While it is not difficult to find a money exchange counter or bank in the capital or tourist areas to convert your foreign currency into Pesos, keep in mind that the exchange rate may often be better with some of the private concerns, such as Vimenca. . To make matters convenient for tourists, the following foreign currencies are commonly bought or sold vs. the Dominican Peso: Canadian Dollars, Dutch Gilders, English Pounds, French Francs, German Marks, Spanish Pesetas, Swiss Francs and US Dollars. Most other currencies will be difficult to convert and may require a visit to the Banca de Reservas or Central Bank in order to do so. . As of June ~ 2000, The current exchange rate versus the US Dollar has been approximately in the 16.00 to 16.25 pesos per US $1 range. There is discussion within the financial community that the exchange rate will move towards RD$ 17 Dominican Pesos (or more) per US $ 1.00 by the year 2001. . The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic maintains responsibility for the printing and issuance of currency, and the regulation of the nation's banking ~ monetary system. . The country's monetary board, which is supervised by the Governor of the Central Bank, directly determines monetary and foreign exchange policies. In reality, a dual system of foreign exchange exists, whereby both private exchange and official exchange with the Central Bank takes place. .9THE ENdTHE END.

10